Elisabeth Schwetz was sworn in as ombudsman on Wednesday by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. The 42-year-old succeeds current National Council President Walter Rosenkranz (FPÖ).
The Head of State welcomed the Ombudsman to the Hofburg and congratulated her “very warmly” on her new task: “You take responsibility.” as “very good requirements for the position.” “Important to mention” was Van der Bellen’s role as chairman of the welfare association. Also about Schwetz’s studies of Romance languages (in addition to law, To. D. Red.) he referred to: “I’m jealous of your Spanish.”
Van der Bellen wanted to ‘explicitly’ thank Rosenkranz for his work so far. After swearing in Schwetz with a handshake and signature, he also greeted her family and stood ready for a group photo.
Only NEOS did not agree with Schwetz
Only the NEOS voted against Schwetz in parliament. Their MP Stephanie Krisper criticized the fact that the selection took place behind closed doors and without specific criteria. The FPÖ has also argued its appropriateness in light of its role as chair of the social welfare organization in its home region. The ÖVP and SPÖ, which are also represented in the Ombudsman’s office together with Gaby Schwarz and Bernhard Achitz, referred to the provision according to which the three strongest factions select suitable people. The Greens criticized the ordering method as insufficiently transparent and of insufficient quality, but ultimately agreed to the proposal.
Source: Krone
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